In the Horton
Living Room, Tom is on the floor testing Christmas light bulbs. He's frustrated
and muttering to himself as he goes through them trying to find out which bulb
doesn't work. Marie is watching him, wishing for a
picture to capture this moment. She enters the room and helps him with the
lights. Marie instantly has the "saintly touch," and the lights work. Tom asks
her if she staying for the tree trimming and she says she wouldn't miss it- it
has become a tradition. She asks where the others are and Tom says that they're
out Christmas shopping. Marie asks him if
he's finished with his shopping and he says he has everyone's
gift but Alice's. He asks her for some "divine intervention" in
thinking of a gift for Alice. Marie can't help him there. She thanks him
for his check to Mother Superior. They talk about Marie asking about nuns when
she was a little girl. Marie asks if everyone's going to be there tomorrow
night- even Mickey and Laura? Tom tells her that it's a tenuous situation
but they are doing it for Michael. She then asks about Linda, and Tom tells
her that he hasn't heard from her but she's probably in Hartford with baby
Melissa. The phone rings and: it's Jim Phillips on the other line.

ACT ONE

Tom and Jim are talking. Tom asks if he's in Salem and he tells
him he's with Linda in Hartford. Tom asks about her and Jim says she's
fine. Then Tom asks about Melissa and Jim says she looks more like her
mother each and every day.

Jim tells Tom the
reason for his call is Linda. He thought about calling Laura and Mickey, but
called him instead. Jim feels that Linda is feeling guilty and wants to close
that chapter in her life so that she can move on and be happy. Tom says she
shouldn't feel that way. Jim thanks Tom and they hang up. Tom next looks for
Cliff Patterson's number and calls him as Marie is watching him. She tells him
that Cliff can help her.

In the
Patterson Living Room, Linda picks up the phone. She's surprised to hear Tom's
voice. He says that he just wanted to wish her and Melissa a Merry Christmas on
behalf of the family. Linda is appreciative and thinks that Tom thinks
badly of her. She tells him that it's nice to wish her a Merry Christmas
after everything she has put his family through. Tom reassures her that what
happened in the past should stay in the past and that she should celebrate her
new-born daughter. Linda thanks him and they hang up. When the call is
finished, Marie comes back in and hugs Tom
for calling Linda.

Linda
is shown feeling relief after Tom's call.

ACT
TWO

Linda and
Cliff are talking about Tom calling. She tells him about the conversation she
had with Tom. Cliff tries to tell her that Tom's right and it's the same
thing that he's been trying to tell her: what happened in Salem is in the past
and over, it's time to move on. Linda's still beating herself up over what she
did and Cliff tells her that she discouraged the relationship with Mickey
and told him to go back to his wife. Cliff tells her that she needs to focus on
her daughter and the future. She thanks her father for being there for her and
he tells her he loves her and is proud of her. Linda brings up the subject of Jim and knows that he wants to marry
her. She's uncertain that she wants to leave the comforts of her father and her
old feelings of the house she grew up in. Cliff tells her that it will
pass. She feels torn leaving her father for Jim. Melissa starts crying and Linda
leaves to feed her. After she leaves Cliff (in
voiceover) talks about just how good he feels with his daughter and
granddaughter around the house. He has to be careful not to express it too much
because he doesn't want Linda to feel guilty when she starts her own life with
Jim.

ACT THREE

In
Mickey's Den, Mickey, Laura and Mike are trimming the tree. Laura tells Mickey
to be careful climbing the step ladder. Mike jokes to his dad that he hopes he
doesn't knock the tree down before they finish trimming it. Laura and Mike tell
him they want him around for the next Christmas. He says you both can count on
that. They comment on Mike growing so fast that he'll be hanging up
the Christmas star soon. Mike complains that he's old enough for
that but not old enough for a motor scooter. Mickey tells him: Moms know
best. Mike asks is that what is called "female intuition." Mickey and
Laura comment that their son is growing up too fast! They all look at the
tree and say it's the best tree they ever had. Mike asks Mickey about the new female voice that answered the
phone in his office the other day. Mike asks about Linda. Mickey tells
him that she went back to Hartford. Mike tells him that he used to say that she
was "the perfect secretary." Mickey says she was. Mike comments that she's
pretty and Laura steps in to say that no way would Linda let him have a
motor scooter either. Mike tells his mom that Linda's pretty, but she's
beautiful. Mickey silently thanks Laura for handling that line of
questioning. Mike opens a bag and tells his
parents that he bought mistletoe. He asks his dad what they use it for
as Mickey takes the mistletoe, puts it over Laura's head, and kisses her.
He tells his son that he doesn't need mistletoe to remember his love for Laura.
Mike is delighted.

Linda is shown
watching baby Melissa in her crib as Jim is watching both of
them.

ACT
FOUR

Jim and
Linda are looking at Melissa and admiring how perfect she is. Melissa holds
Jim's finger and doesn't let go. Linda tells Melissa that she knows
who gives her all those stuffed animals. Jim can't wait to spoil her on
Christmas Day. Linda jokes that they'll have to rent a zoo. Jim and Linda now change the talk to marriage. He wants
to know when they can get married. Linda is worried about several things. First,
there's her father and the thought of leaving him alone in this big house. She
really doesn't want to move to New York where Jim's job is. Jim tells her that
he resigned. Linda feels bad but Jim tells her that he got another job, in
Hartford! So now she doesn't have to worry about her father being lonely.
They'll all be right here! Linda is so happy and she tells
him yes to his proposal. Jim
tells Melissa and she coos. Cliff enters the room
and they tell him the good news. He feels happy for them but sad because
she'll move away. Cliff asks them when they are leaving. Jim asks for
a favor: if they can live here with him. Linda tells Cliff about Jim's
new job in Hartford and Cliff is so happy that he says that this is the best
Christmas ever. He hugs Linda and starts to cry.

Episode #
1545Air Date: December 23, 1971

PROLOGUE

In the Horton Living Room, it's
the night before Christmas Eve: tree trimming night for the Hortons. Tom comes
downstairs with his pipe and notices that he doesn't have tobacco. He sees his
family assembled in the living room and is filled with pride. Tom heads to
his study where Sandy is using Tom's medical books to study. She talks to him
about learning all this stuff...how impossible it is. He tells her that she's
the fourth generation of Hortons to say the same words. He tells her that his
father was a doctor too and tells her that it's his desk. They talk about Sandy
being so busy and even busier with her internship to start in July. They have a
proud moment as Alice calls everyone to the living room. Mickey enters from the
front door and is greeted by Bill and Tommy. Tom comes from the study with
his pipe lit. Tom feels old seeing his grown sons. Alice tells him that they are
going to get the tree. Tom mocks that he used to get the tree and feels older
now that his sons are going to do that job. She tells him that she needs him at
the house. They all go to the living room discussing which type of tree to
get: table-top, metal tree- pink, purple or even plastic? Alice says that she
wants a real green tree. Bills jokes about getting a good deal on a
tall tree and they just have to cut a hole in the ceiling. Alice jokes about
getting Tom out of "tree retirement." Tommy tells his dad to watch out for Alice
spiking the punch bowl.She tells
him she better not catch any one of them spiking the punch! The Horton boys
leave to get the tree. Alice and Tom put their arms around each other and talk
about being happy that their sons are here for Christmas.

ACT
ONE

Tom plugs in the Christmas tree
lights. Marie, Addie and Alice bring in the last boxes of ornaments. Alice
spreads out a tree skirt for the tree. Marie gets the tree stand. Tom makes a
comment about the lights looking like a bunch of snakes and then he looks at
Marie (who helped him uncoil the lights). Marie hands him the stand. He jiggles
the stand and doesn't know what to do with it so he puts it down. Marie and
Alice are opening the boxes and see dust. One box has the tinsel. Addie opens
another box and finds the Horton ornaments that Grandma Horton made for
everyone just before she died. All gather around the box, looking at the
ornaments for the family. Each ornament has a name: Tom, Alice, Mickey, Tommy,
Addie, Bill and Marie. Marie, Addie, Tom and Alice are remembering Grandma
Horton. Addie says that she used to tell her, "pretty is as pretty does." Alice
remembers her working on the ornaments even with her failing eyesight. Addie
tells Marie that she was a tomboy, climbing trees. Addie remembers Ben, who
told her that he married her because she reminded him of Grandma.Alice wishes Steven could have made it to
Salem. Addie does too. Alice points out that she has Julie and her family here.
They stare at the ornaments: Mickey's then Tom's then Bill's. Marie talks
about the time that she and Bill went to the roof to clean it for Santa and had
to call the fire department. Addie recalls the time she was a Christmas angel
and Tommy hid the wings behind the fireplace and Tom decided to have a fire in
the fireplace that night. They look at each other as the Horton men come back
with the tree. Alice sees the tree and thinks it's the most beautiful tree ever.
Tommy says that she says that every year. She tells the boys where she wants
it.Alice goes and gets some water for
the tree stand. Marie and Addie open more boxes of ornaments. Tom comments that
it took them a long time to come back with the tree. Mickey says it wasn't the
tree that took a long time, it was finding a liquor store that was open.
They all smile.

ACT TWO

The boys are trying to level the
tree. They comment about the women vanishing as there's work to be done. Tommy
says that they went to the kitchen to make sandwiches. He then asks Mickey what
time Laura and Mike are showing up. Mickey says that it should be any time now.
They talk about Mike's wish for a motor scooter and Laura's objections. Mickey
says maybe Mike can get it for his birthday. They talk about
Julie, Scott and David being late because of last minute shopping. Tom
enters the room with some popcorn. They talk about perfect timing and spiking
the punch. When the doorbell rings, Bill goes to get it: it's Laura
and Mike. They have a "moment." Mike wishes Uncle Bill a Merry
Christmas.They hear the men in the
living room laughing and Mike runs into the living room as Bill and Laura stay
by the door. Laura asks about everyone being here and Bill tells her that Julie
will be late. She notices the gifts in the hallway and Bill tells her to take
them to her place. She asks why he doesn't come over Christmas Day?
He says he thinks that he won't be able to make it.Laura now notices that he doesn't want to be
at her home with Mickey there. Laura tells him that he should give his godson,
Michael, his present. Bill thanks her and they go to the living room.

ACT
THREE

Laura and Bill walk into the
living room as Mike is giving his opinion on the lopsided tree. Mickey embraces
Laura. Mike mentions how lovely they were when he gave them the mistletoe. Bill
is watching them as Mike makes these comments. Addie, Marie and Sandy enter
the living room. Sandy also comments on the tree being lopsided. Mike asks
who is putting up the lights? They all look at Tom, who tells everyone
that Marie's the expert. The Hortons all get into the ornament boxes
and start trimming the tree.Laura
asks about Alice and Addie tells her that she's in the kitchen guarding the
punch bowl.

In the Horton Kitchen, Alice is putting the
finishing touches on the sandwiches as Laura enters. Alice tells her
that she's too late to help. Alice says that she had too much help and she asks
Laura if they have started on the tree trimming. Laura says that they
have. Alice asks Laura about her and Mickey's New Year's
Eve anniversary. She asks if she can throw them a party. Laura thinks
that's very considerate of her but she thinks they should have a low key
celebration. Alice expected this answer and tells her maybe next year.

Mike and Bill go to the hallway.
Bill gives Mike his Christmas present. He tells him that he wont be about to
come to his house for Christmas. Mike is sad and questions him as to why? Mike
tries to get him to change his mind by telling him that he picked out a great
present for him. He's sad but thanks him for his gift. Bill stares at his son
and asks for a Christmas hug. Laura sees this tender moment between father and
son.

ACT
FOUR

Some time has passed and the
tree is half decorated. Alice and Tom are in the foreground, with Bill, Mickey,
Laura, Tommy, Sandy, Marie, Addie, and Michael behind. As Alice holds the box
with the special ornaments, we feel the beauty of this moment. Each Horton will
step forward individually to select his or her ornament and hang it on the
Christmas tree. Alice asks everyone to remember Grandma Horton. Tom hugs Alice.
She calls out Mickey's name and he comes to get his ornament and hangs it on the
tree. He kisses Alice and puts his arms around Laura. Addie steps forward
as Alice call her. She selects her ornament and hangs it. She thanks her parents
for letting her come home again. Tommy picks out his ornament. He thanks them
for sharing their lives with him and his daughter. He goes to Alice and kisses
her on the cheek. Tommy looks at Sandy as she moves close to him. Alice
gets emotional. Tom calls out Marie's name. She goes up to hang her ornament.
She looks at Tom and Alice and touches Alice softly on the cheek. She says that
she's truly blessed. Alice calls Bill. He hangs his ornament up and looks at his
parents. He thanks them for putting up with him for another year. Tom tells
Alice it's her turn. Alice selects her ornament and hangs it, as Tom
hangs his at the same time. Tom then lightly kisses Alice as there is
a moment of lovely silence, then the children applaud. Individual shots:
Mickey, Laura and Michael; Tommy and Sandy; Marie and Addie side-by-side; only
Bill is alone. Now Alice, dabbing at her eyes, goes to a box she's put aside,
and holds it facing all the Hortons. Alice opens the box to other ornaments that
she has made for the rest of the family. All crowd forward to look. A tight
shot of the box is shown: Alice has made ornaments for all those who don't
have them: Laura, Sandy, Michael, Julie, Scott, David, Doug, etc. "Ooohs"
and "ahhs" are heard from all. Alice calls for Laura to hang her ornament.
She tells Alice what a beautiful thought and kisses her. Alice next
calls Sandy. Sandy takes her ornament, and with tears in her eyes, looks at
Alice and hangs her ornament as Tommy watches. Alice then calls Michael's name.
He says "Boy, Grandma. Thanks!" As Mike is hanging his ornament, Bill and
Laura are shown looking proud. Tom takes the box and puts the
other ornaments aside until the others get there.He stands next to Alice to admire the
tree.

Alice gives a speech: "The ornaments Tom's mother made for us and
for our children, they have, though the years, become a very special part of our
Christmas. I hope and pray the ones I've made will live on and on, for
future generations. And that at this time of year, for one magic moment, you
will always share a memory of love...and togetherness."

They all
take in Alice's words and Tom cuts in to say that it's time for a toast. Bill
and Tommy go to the kitchen to get the punch bowl. They all get a glass and one
that's set aside for Mike. Alice spots the actions right away and admonishes her
sons for spiking the punch bowl. Tom gives a toast: "My lovely wife has
already expressed what's in all our hearts...and beautifully. So, all that's
left for me to say is "Merry Christmas" and the happiest of holidays to each of
you!" Tom extends his glass straight to the camera, looks into it, and
says: "And to all our friends everywhere!" All the Hortons raise their glasses
and drink. A tight shot of the Christmas tree is shown, as the Horton
family ornaments glow in yuletide splendor.

Episode
# 1546Air Date: December 24, 1971

PROLOGUE

It is Christmas Eve Day
and Doug is in his “Christmas whiskers” as he answers the phone. Bill is on
the other line. Doug has picked up the Santa suit box and asks Bill when is he
getting here to try it on. Doug reminds him about last year. Bill says that he
can change in the hospital utility room. Doug asks him when he should bring
the Santa suit and Bill says 3 o’clock. Bill tells him the room
number, 207, and tells him not to be late. They hang up, As Doug starts to dial
the phone again, the doorbell rings. He isn't expecting anyone, but
Julie shows up with some presents. They hug. He was going to call her so they
could exchange gifts. She asks him what would have happened if Scott
had answered the phone. He tells her when a man answers he always hangs up.
He says it's fate because Bill was supposed to be here. Julie asks about the
hospital stuff. He tells her about Bill being Santa and and
himself helping spread holiday cheer. Julie can’t believe he likes to
be around kids. Doug says only once a year! Julie tells him
he better be on his best behavior at her grandmother’s tomorrow. They begin
to flirt.

ACT ONE

Julie and Doug are exchanging
their gifts for each other. They both have one package that looks the same in
size. They end up both giving themselves the same gift: a trip to Portofino!
They can’t wait to go. Julie hands him a second package: a pinky signet ring
with the inscription “with all my love.” He kisses her and puts on his
ring. She kids that she wants to tattoo “hands off—he’s mine” on his forehead
and he says the same. She tells him to stop worrying about Scott. Doug
hands Julie his other gift. It’s a small diamond on a thin chain, like a
pendant. She holds the diamond to her right finger and tells him that someday
she’ll wear it right there. They kiss. Julie wants to thank Uncle Bill for not
stopping by. They talk about Bill and his feelings for Laura. Doug thinks he
should do something and Julie says he has his reasons for not doing anything.
Doug is thinking of something….he’s going to have a little Christmas surprise
for Bill and Laura.

At the hospital children's ward,
Laura sees all the kids and decorations. A little girl, Tina, asks if Santa
Claus is really coming to the hospital. She tells her yes, at three
o’clock. Laura tells her that she knows Santa and he never lets anybody
down (as she thinks of Bill as Santa). She hugs the girl.

ACT TWO

Tina has gone back to tell the
other kids at the ward what Laura said as she watches them with
excitement. Tom joins Laura and notices how much she enjoys the Christmas
party. She says it makes her feel good inside to see all the kids’ faces light
up. Tom says that it's all because she started the tradition here at the
hospital when she was an intern. She says that she could never have done
it without Bill. Tom says he’s a reluctant Santa, but Laura says Bill loves
to play the role. Tom says Bill feels bad coming here because of the
suspension, which is understandable. Laura says that even though
the staff resents Bill, he still agreed to be Santa. Tom notices
Laura’s defense of Bill. They then talk of Doug and Bill being here pretty
soon. Tom says that he can spread holiday cheer too and has shiny
half-dollars that he jingles in his pocket. Tom goes to the kids and hands them
the half-dollars. Tom leaves for an appointment. Laura gets a phone call from
Doug. He says that he has a problem. Doug tells Laura that he’s supposed to
meet Bill with the costume in room 207 but he will be late. Someone is going to
have to help Bill get dressed. She asks about the suit and Doug says
he’s sent it over by taxi and it should be there any minute. Nurse Baines comes
in and hands Laura the Santa suit. Laura tells Doug that the suit’s here
and he wants her to help Bill. She agrees. She tells him to be sure to be here
for the party. Doug is so proud of himself – his plan worked. Julie calls him a
genius...or a devil. Doug says someone has to do the pushing and
if Bill’s not the one to do it, then he will.

ACT
THREE

At the hospital storage room,
Bill arrives and sees the box and starts putting on the suit. He’s
muttering to himself about Doug being there to help him. He looks for the pillow
as he hears a knock on the door. He thinks it is Doug and opens to see that
it's Laura. He doesn’t greet her well and tells her he thought it was Doug.
She gives him the pillows that he was looking for as he helplessly tries to hold
up his pants. She makes fun of how big the suit is and she tells him that Doug
called as was going to be late. She was asked to fill in for him. Bill is
suspicious of Doug’s actions. Laura starts helping him stuff the pillows in his
body. He apologizes for the unwelcomed reception and mood. He thanks her for
helping him get dressed. She says it's ok and their eyes meet. She helps him
with the Santa jacket and glues on his beard. As she is applying the glue they
touch...it's electric. They both are feeling attracted to each other. She looks
at the finished product and says that his nose isn’t red enough. She gets
lipstick from her purse and gently rubs some on his nose. They can’t stand the
attraction…he says her name…Laura. The moment is ruined as Doug comes in….what
bad timing! Laura leaves. Doug apologizes and Bill knows that
this was Doug setting this all up. They head out for the children's ward.

ACT
FOUR

At the children's ward, Tom and
Laura are in the background as the kids are enjoying Doug singing “Santa Claus
Is Coming to Town.” As he finishes the song, jingle bells are heard
announcing Santa’s arrival. Tom and Laura get the kids excited as “Santa” comes
in with a sack of toys. As Santa is handing the kids toys, Doug, Tom and
Laura start singing (possibly "Silent Night" or any song Doug plans to sing for
the moment). Santa talks to a couple of kids and asks them if they have been
good. As Bill wraps up talking to the kids and giving them presents, Doug asks
him to come and sing a song with them. Nurse Baines comes in with cake and
lights the candles. The kids are busy with their presents but some sing for
Santa. Laura takes the whole scene in and, in the moment, gives Santa (Bill) her
red balloon. This signifies her acknowledgment of her feelings.

Episode
# 1547Air Date: December 27, 1971

PROLOGUE

In the Horton Dining Room, though
there will not be any mention of Christmas Day, this will be the end of the
family dinner. There are six empty places at the table where people
have obviously had dinner with them but have since departed. Tom is at the head
of the table, Alice on the side opposite, with Scott, Julie and Bill to her
right, Addie, Doug, and Laura to her left. They’re sitting over after dinner
coffee- though the remnants of the meal remain. Play closeups as much as
possible, with action and reaction shots. Alice is bummed that Sandy, Tommy and
Marie have left. Tommy and Sandy had to go to the hospital and Marie to the
convent for services. Laura compliments Alice on a wonderful dinner. Doug wants
a compliment on being the turkey baster. Tom and Doug joke about Alice not
running away with Doug. Now they are talking about Doug’s love life. They
question him about not having a special woman in his life. Addie says he should
be ready to settle down. Bill says that Doug’s not that type of guy. Tom
breaks in to say to Scott that it's good that he and David are back in the
family and they missed them. They talk about Mickey taking the boys ice skating.
Laura says that Mickey built a rink in the backyard and Mike loves to skate ever
since Bill bought him those skates. Laura's going to go in a couple of
minutes and give them some hot chocolate. Alice wants the members of her
family that are left to chat. Doug leaves to get some coffee and Alice thinks
that they need to make a fresh pot. Julie, on cue, gets up and says that she’ll
make it. She leaves but Addie notices it. Doug, confident it's Julie’s hand,
grabs her and takes her in his arms. They kiss and embrace.

ACT ONE

In the Horton Living Room, Addie
and Scott are talking by the fireplace. She figures out that he left the people
in the kitchen and wanted to take the time to say how good it is to have him and
David back in the family. Scott says he missed the family. Addie says she can
relate because she was away in Paris and has that feeling of “coming home.”
Scott asks if she misses her son Steve. Addie says he’d old enough to have
friends and be off in Paris on his own. Scott notices the differences in
parenting Steve and Julie. Addie says it's different for guys. She says
Julie is immature. Addie says Julie is lucky to have such a man of his
caliber and asks how’s married life. He says that they are both trying. He
says David is cautious when it comes to his mother. Addie wants to know if Julie
is trying with him. He tells her that it was Julie’s idea to reconcile,
so she’s trying. Addie is thinking about Doug. Scott still can’t believe that
she wanted back in the married life. He thinks she was bored and wants a life of
excitement. Now, he thinks it may be because she wants David back in her
life. Addie says there’s more to it because she wants to buy a new home for
them. She thinks that’s a show of good faith. Addie gets to the point and wants
to know if this marriage can become real. Scott says that Julie is a smart
woman, so yes, he thinks it could become a real marriage. Addie gives him
some advice: Julie likes someone to take charge and tells him another thing:
they should have another kid. She spies Doug coming in the room
and tells Scott it would solidify his marriage. Doug hears the advice and
gives this look of shock and anger towards Addie.

ACT TWO

In the Horton Dining Room, Bill
and Laura are cleaning up. Laura thanks him for the flowers for her mother. He
tells her it was nothing. She tells him that it was a nice sentiment and she
plans on visiting her mom and dad later this week in Chicago. He asks about her
mother's condition and she says there's no improvement. She says her mother was
full of life when she came back from her pre-med days in college, but since
then her mother has changed. She has no emotion and stares into space.
That’s why Laura decided to go into the field of psychiatry. Bill tells
Laura that he would like to meet her mother sometime. Laura invites him to
come this weekend, but, as tempting as it sounds, he declines.

ACT
THREE

In the Horton Living Room, Scott,
Addie and now Doug join the conversation. Scott and Doug talk about his job at
the restaurant and how Bill will be coming back to the hospital and losing his
right hand man. Addie says it’s a shame that Bill is wasting away there instead
of being a doctor at the hospital. Doug gets offended and tells Addie at
least he’s doing something and having a good time. Addie counters and asks
him if life is just about “having fun and kicks." Doug tries to have Scott agree
and Scott doesn’t take the bait. Scott is about to leave to look for Julie but
he remembers to thank Doug for those investment tips he gave him. Scott tells
Addie that Doug really has an eye for investments. Doug goes to the tree
and stares at the ornaments. Addie says off-handed compliments to him about
women and his investments. Now she insults him for the life he leads and tells
him that she and her parents weren’t raised that way. Doug tells her that
her parents aren’t like her at all. They go to church, but aren’t stuffy. Doug
tells her to try not being so judgmental and live life instead. She angrily
looks at him and tells him that he needs a lesson in manners.

ACT
FOUR

In the Horton Kitchen, Tom,
Alice, Julie and Laura are finishing up the huge clean up. Tom says he's hungry.
They all look at him and he gives a compliment to Alice and kisses and hugs
her. Laura invites them all for hot chocolate and says they can watch the
kids at her place. Bill says he plans to see Susie and takes a rain check. Scott
and Julie are leaving and offer a ride to Laura because Mickey took the car. Tom
and Alice agree to go to Laura’s for hot chocolate. Tom wonders about Addie and
Doug. Scott tells them that he left them talking in the living room. Alice wants
to give them more time by themselves and tries to find more dishes to wash. Bill
reminds Alice about the “deal with Doug” and they have to do it before they
leave. Tom picks up a small box and they all head into the living room where
Doug is looking at the tree. They ask about Addie and Doug tells him he thinks
she went upstairs. Alice asks Julie to call her mother, she wants everyone still
present to be in the living room. Tom tells everyone that some know what's going
to happen but all will agree it’s the right thing to do. Alice gives
this speech: "Doug, well, how do I begin?...I suppose by saying the
obvious: how much we all love you, how in the comparatively short time we’ve
known you, you’ve practically become a member of the family. Perhaps the first
family you’re ever really had, knowing that you were raised in an orphanage. On
the Christmas tree, you’ll notice ornaments with the names of everyone very near
and dear to us. All members of our family. Today, we decided we wanted to add
one more ornament, one more name." Alice opens a box and reveals
an ornament with Doug’s name on it. Tom then takes some
"legal-looking" papers out of the box and gives this speech: "And to make
this even more official- though not exactly legal- Mickey drew up these formal
adoption papers. It won’t require a change of last name, however. This is merely
our way of saying: welcome to the family, Doug." Doug is genuinely moved. The
assembled guests applaud, all that is, except Addie, though no one notices her
lack of participation. Doug is left speechless and says that he doesn’t deserve
it. Bills says that’s all he has to say? Doug takes a dramatic walk to Tom,
pauses, and says: "Dad?...about my allowance…." Everyone
congratulates Doug, including Julie. All except for Addie, who is
removed from the background, looking disgusted.